Trump gives confusing message on Russia-Ukraine prisoner swap “exchange completed” but “not yet in effect”

US President Donald Trump has announced that Russia and Ukraine have completed a large-scale prisoner exchange.

“A major prisoners swap was just completed between Russia and Ukraine. It will go into effect shortly,” Caliber.Az quotes Trump as saying on Truth Social.

Trump’s phrasing, which refers to the “completion of a large-scale exchange” while also noting that it “will take effect shortly,” most likely indicates the conclusion of the negotiation process and preparations for the imminent implementation of the agreements in practice.

“Congratulations to both sides on this negotiation. This could lead to something big,” he added.

On May 22, Moscow received Kyiv’s counter-list for a 1,000-for-1,000 prisoner exchange, Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed. 

The agreement regarding this exchange was reached during negotiations between Russian and Ukrainian delegations in Istanbul.

By Aghakazim Guliyev